Abstract: A method is provided that is executable by a processor of a computer. Note that the processor is communicatively coupled to a memory of the computer, and the memory stores a response block of a call command. In implementing the method, the processor defines a sub-functions field in the response block of the call command. Further the processor indicates that a set of functions of a set of instructions are installed and available at an interface based on a corresponding sub-functions flag within the sub-functions field being set. Note that the interface is also being executed on the computer and that the set of functions being represented by the corresponding sub-functions flag. The processor further indicates that the set of functions of the set of instructions are not installed based on the corresponding sub-functions flag not being set.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a solid-fuel cooker, such as a barbecue, comprising: a body defining a chamber configured to act as a firebox for combustion of solid fuel, such as charcoal or briquettes; a fuel support structure for supporting the solid fuel in the chamber; and an ignition system for igniting the solid fuel supported by the support structure. The ignition system comprises at least one electric heating element mounted to the body and located in or adjacent to the chamber for heating the solid fuel supported by the support structure, the at least one electric heating element configured to be switched between an electrically energized (i.e. switched “on”) state and an electrically de-energized (i.e., switched “off”) state. The at least one electric heating element is configured to transfer heat to the solid fuel supported by the support structure to ignite the solid fuel when the switch is operated to the electrically energized (i.e. switched “on”) state.

Abstract: Described herein are small-molecule compounds that specifically inhibit a wide range of HIV-1 isolates without interfering with CD4 or CCR5 binding. Methods of using die compounds for treating or preventing HIV infection are also described.

Abstract: A spark plug is disclosed and includes a metal tube which interiorly defines an axis and is externally-threaded for engagement with an engine block. An insulating has a portion which is disposed inside the tube and extends therebeyond. A positive electrode extends through the insulator and projects beyond the extending portion of the insulator. An annular ground electrode is coupled to the tube. The electrodes are configured such that a spark gap defined therebetween has an elongate channel which opens axially and away from the insulator and is substantially unobstructed in the axial direction. The ground defines a void having a central portion occupied by the positive electrode in use, an annular channel surrounding the central portion, and a plurality of lobes, each being positioned with respect to the central portion in a manner analogous to the placement of the planet gears with respect to the sun gear in a planetary gear arrangement.

Abstract: The plug comprises a nut, a coupling extending from the nut and adapted to receive an ignition wire and an insulator extending from the nut and away from the coupling. A positive electrode extends through the insulator. An externally-threaded tubular portion extends from the nut in surrounding relation to the insulator and terminating, short of the insulator end, in a cap that is disposed in spaced relation to the insulator. The cap defines a void having: a central portion into which the positive electrode extends; an annular channel surrounding the central portion; and a plurality of lobes, each positioned with respect to the central portion as the planet gears are positioned with respect to the sun gear in a planetary gear. The cap has a central surface that is axially spaced from the insulator and a convex surface that surrounds and extends to the central surface.

Abstract: A spark plug is disclosed and comprises: a metal tube which interiorly defines an axis and is externally-threaded for engine block engagement; an insulator having a portion which is disposed inside the tube and extends therebeyond; a positive electrode extending through the insulator and projecting beyond the extending portion of the insulator; and an annular ground electrode coupled to the tube. The electrodes are configured such that a spark gap defined therebetween comprises an elongate channel which opens axially and away from said insulator and is substantially unobstructed in the axial direction. The ground defines a void having: a central portion occupied by the positive electrode in use; an annular channel surrounding the central portion; and a plurality of lobes, each being positioned with respect to the central portion in a manner analogous to the placement of the planet gears with respect to the sun gear in a planetary gear.

Abstract: Provided herein are water-soluble, functionalized fullerenes, and processes for producing water-soluble, functionalized fullerenes. The process includes sulfonating a fullerene in an acidic solution comprising sulfuric acid to produce a sulfonated fullerene, isolating the sulfonated fullerene from the acidic solution without neutralizing the acidic solution, reacting the sulfonated fullerene with hydrogen peroxide to form a reaction product, and isolating a polyhydroxylated fullerene from the reaction product produced from reacting the sulfonated fullerene with the hydrogen peroxide. The process of producing water-soluble fullerenes further includes functionalizing a polyhydroxylated fullerene with one or more pendant functional groups by reacting the polyhydroxylated fullerene with one or more functional group precursors.

Abstract: The plug comprises a nut, a coupling extending from the nut and adapted to receive an ignition wire and an insulator extending from the nut and away from the coupling. A positive electrode extends through the insulator. An externally-threaded tubular portion extends from the nut in surrounding relation to the insulator and terminating, short of the insulator end, in a cap that is disposed in spaced relation to the insulator. The cap defines a void having: a central portion into which the positive electrode extends; an annular channel surrounding the central portion; and a plurality of lobes, each positioned with respect to the central portion as the planet gears are positioned with respect to the sun gear in a planetary gear. The cap has a central surface that is axially spaced from the insulator and a convex surface that surrounds and extends to the central surface.

Abstract: A spark plug is disclosed and comprises: a metal tube which interiorly defines an axis and is externally-threaded for engine block engagement; an insulator having a portion which is disposed inside the tube and extends therebeyond; a positive electrode extending through the insulator and projecting beyond the extending portion of the insulator; and an annular ground electrode coupled to the tube. The electrodes are configured such that a spark gap defined therebetween comprises an elongate channel which opens axially and away from said insulator and is substantially unobstructed in the axial direction.

Abstract: The plug comprises a nut, a coupling extending from the nut and adapted to receive an ignition wire and an insulator extending from the nut and away from the coupling. A positive electrode extends through the insulator. An externally-threaded tubular portion extends from the nut in surrounding relation to the insulator and terminating, short of the insulator end, in a cap that is disposed in spaced relation to the insulator. The cap defines a void having: a central portion into which the positive electrode extends; an annular channel surrounding the central portion; and a plurality of lobes, each positioned with respect to the central portion as the planet gears are positioned with respect to the sun gear in a planetary gear. The cap has a central surface that is axially spaced from the insulator and a convex surface that surrounds and extends to the central surface.

Abstract: A spark plug is disclosed and comprises: a metal tube which interiorly defines an axis and is externally-threaded for engine block engagement; an insulator having a portion which is disposed inside the tube and extends therebeyond; a positive electrode extending through the insulator and projecting beyond the extending portion of the insulator; and an annular ground electrode coupled to the tube. The electrodes are configured such that a spark gap defined therebetween comprises an elongate channel which opens axially and away from said insulator and is substantially unobstructed in the axial direction.

Abstract: A method of constructing a spark plug that has positive and ground electrodes configured such a spark plug defined between the positive and ground electrode extenders comprises an elongate channel which opens axially and away from the body and is substantially unobstructed in the axial direction to provide better ignition resulting in improved fuel economy. The method involves taking a body part of a conventional spark plug and welding an adapter part to the body part to produce a spark plug with the elongate channel.

Abstract: The plug comprises a nut, a coupling extending from the nut and adapted to receive an ignition wire and an insulator extending from the nut and away from the coupling. A positive electrode extends through the insulator. An externally-threaded tubular portion extends from the nut in surrounding relation to the insulator and terminating, short of the insulator end, in a cap that is disposed in spaced relation to the insulator. The cap defines a void having: a central portion into which the positive electrode extends; an annular channel surrounding the central portion; and a plurality of lobes, each positioned with respect to the central portion as the planet gears are positioned with respect to the sun gear in a planetary gear. The cap has a central surface that is axially spaced from the insulator and a convex surface that surrounds and extends to the central surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endo-?-N-acetylglucosaminidase enzyme isolatable from the fungus Trichoderma virde and to methods of producing the enzyme and uses of said enzyme.

Abstract: Provided herein are water-soluble, functionalized fullerenes, and processes for producing water-soluble, functionalized fullerenes. The process includes sulfonating a fullerene in an acidic solution comprising sulfuric acid to produce a sulfonated fullerene, isolating the sulfonated fullerene from the acidic solution without neutralizing the acidic solution, reacting the sulfonated fullerene with hydrogen peroxide to form a reaction product, and isolating a polyhydroxylated fullerene from the reaction product produced from reacting the sulfonated fullerene with the hydrogen peroxide. The process of producing water-soluble fullerenes further includes functionalizing a polyhydroxylated fullerene with one or more pendant functional groups by reacting the polyhydroxylated fullerene with one or more functional group precursors.

Abstract: A one piece fastener made from high strength steel for securing a work piece to a metal substrate and including an elongated substantially flat body defining a void extending substantially along the length of the body, a crown at one end of the body formed by substantially symmetrical halves extending outwardly from the flat body and formed integrally therewith. A gripping and clamping member is disposed within the void in the elongated body and is affixed at each end thereof to the body and defines at least first and second teeth extending outwardly therefrom, the gripping and clamping member being rotated. A piercing tip formed at the opposite end of the elongated body for generating an opening through the work piece and the metal substrate, the piercing tip formed from a plurality of incrementally wider steps progressing from the tip toward the width of the body.

Abstract: An adapter, used with a spark plug body and an engine block, is disclosed. The body defines an axis and has adjacent one end, a coaxial metal ring. A coaxial metal tube extends from the ring towards the other body end and is threaded in said block in use. An insulator, having a portion inside the tube, extends axially, from inside the tube, beyond the ring, and has a void therethrough. A positive electrode occupies the void and extends axially beyond the insulator to a terminus. In use, the adapter is secured to said body and comprises: a positive electrode extender in electrically-conducting relation to the positive electrode and a ground electrode extender in electrically-conducting contacting relation to the ring. The adapter is configured such that a gap defined between the positive and ground extenders comprises a channel which opens axially away from said body and is substantially unobstructed axially.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an oral-care system is provided. The oral-care system includes an electric toothbrush having a motor, a power source in electrical communication with the motor, and a bristle holder operatively connected to the motor. A display is in data communication with the electric toothbrush.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for steering a time-of-day (TOD) clock for a computer system having a physical clock providing a time base for executing operations that is stepped to a common oscillator. The method includes computing a TOD-clock offset value (d) to be added to a physical-clock value (Tr) value to obtain a logical TOD-clock value (Tb), where the logical TOD-clock value is adjustable without adjusting a stepping rate of the oscillator.

Abstract: Oral care treatments are provided, including multi-component oral care compositions and methods for delivering such compositions to the oral cavity. Oral care devices and systems for implementing such oral care treatments are also provided.